The armory building in Klamath Falls celebrated its 80th birthday this year. Constructed in 1935 at a cost of $180,000, the armory has been the home of the Klamath County Museum since 1970.
For many years the armory housed Battery D of the Oregon Army National Guard’s 249th Coast Artillery. At the same time, it doubled as a community event center and auditorium.
The names of entertainers who performed at the armory in the 1940’s through the 1960’s read like a catalog of the most famous American bands and vocalists of their time. They include Johnny Cash, Bobby Darrin, Duke Ellington, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Lionel Hampton, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, Little Richard, Tex Ritter, Sons of the Pioneers, Ike and Tina Turner. And many more!
Other entertainment ranged from boxing matches, basketball games, banquets and dances to a boxing bear named Gorgeous Gus and circus elephants. Museum Manager Todd Kepple told a reporter that when the Dorseys came to Klamath Falls Jackie Gleason ribbed them by sending a gift donkey for travel in the rural area.
To celebrate its 80th birthday, the museum featured a special exhibit on itself.
Source: Dillemuth, Holly. "Band after Band Played Klamath Armory." Associated Press (Washington Times.com). 31 Jan. 2014. Web. 27 Oct. 2015.
